If you don’t like it here…then go back

The world is becoming more and more intolerant and the leaders stupid by the day.

Lot of Hindu Indians tell the muslims that if you don’t like in India then go to Pakistan but if somethings happens to Indians like the Shilpa Shetty episode we cry racism and how the other countries should change to accomodate us.

Hema Malini was electioneering for the February 1 local corporation elections when she was asked at a meeting about north Indians not being happy with the treatment given to them. “If they have a problem, they should go back,” she allegedly replied.

At times like these you can see the prejudices coming out. I am sure even after all this she well continue to be in politics and she will always be that “Dream Girl”.

Of course in politics it is not easy to get away with something lilke that and that’s why BJP is in trouble over this

“The BJP should give an explanation on this statement of Hema. I demand that Hema Malini should take back her statement and apologise to the north Indians in Mumbai,” said Congress spokesperson Sanjay Nirupam.

BJP’s alliance partner Shiv Sena was clearly put on the defensive. Though Sena has always used its “Mee Mumbaikar” campaign for political gains, the party does not want to alienate itself from the north Indians.

But even then the BJP says it was a casual remark

BJP leaders refused to comment on the issue but insisted that Hema’s comment was an innocent and casual remark and not too much should be made out of it.

Such casual remarks can create a lot of hooplah on the “Big Brother” but while campaigning for an election…nothing!

I think such comments should be highlighted and told to everyone. Such small incidents highlight the prejudices that people have against people from different region, country, race, caste or whatever else.

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6 Responses to “If you don’t like it here…then go back”

I think it was a stupid remark. What else can one expect from a film star? The kind of remarks that Govinda made when he became an MP are also howlers. But I agree, people should know about this. That this is the quality of politicians we have today. Hema Malini may have been a fantastic Dream Girl, but I think she should keep away from politics.

I’m not surprised since it came from a BJP member. The Sangh parivar, mentors of BJP, keep saying Muslims must go to Pakistan.

I had such a shocking experience while I was working in a software company here in Kerala. A colleague, on top of a heating debate, asked me, “you people (he meant Christians) always look forward to go to USA. Why don’t you go there and leave us alone?” Then only I could understand what is the mediocre Hindus have been fed by the VHP/RSS folks. They are told Christians and Muslims are not patriots. I told him that I am as much Indian as him and I hold the rights to criticize my country to make it a better place.

Interestingly, this guy is now working in Dubai (a Muslim country) and I am still living and working in India.

There are bigots everywhere Jo. I do not think the Hindus in general, even the common man thinks like this. In fact amongst the poorer people everyone lives together. Even amongst the elite, everyone lives together. And even in the educated middle class there are many who do not hold such views. My best friend in school was a Muslim (she is in Minnesota now and am still in touch with her) and my best friend in College was a Jain (in touch)and my best friend at work was a Christian. She is in Canada and we regularly corespond. They do not believe that the common Hindu thinks like this.
On the other hand my husband has a close Sikh friend who had a bad experience during the Delhi riots after Indira Gandhi’s death and he migrated. It is a very individual thing.
It is the extremist element of which there are in every single group. Political parties stoke the fires. The Congress is very very guilty in this regard…they were responsible for the Delhi 1984 riots.
Also, Hema Malini’s remark is not to be taken seriously. I heard her say it on television…she smiled and dimpled and winked when she said that. She thought of it as a joke. That was stupid of her.

I do have a lot of ‘Hindu’ friends (I hate to categorize my friends on the basis of religion, but just to mention here). And I know the majority of any religion are not extremists. But there is one thing for sure. The minority of extremists in any religion can influence this majority pretty easily.

This guy, after that day of debate has become a friend of mine and we are still in touch through emails etc. But I’m sure it hasn’t changed his view points much. Not his problem though.